Respecting Buddha Images
Wherever you go in Thailand you will see Buddha images and it doesn’t matter how small, old or what state of disrepair it may be in, the image is still sacred. Standing on an old Buddha statue to have your photograph taken is one of the most disrespectful things that you can do in Thailand [...]
Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
There are various forms of Buddhism followed throughout the world, but in Thailand 95% of people are Theravada Buddhists.
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada (“the Teaching of the Elders”) is a school of Buddhism that believes it has remained closest to the original teachings of the Buddha. As well as Thailand, Theravada Buddhism is particularly strong in Cambodia, [...]
Buddha Day: Visakha Puja
Today is a public holiday in Thailand to mark Visakha Puja Day*, the most important Buddhist holiday. It marks the three most significant dates in the life of the Lord Buddha commemorating the day on which he was born, achieved enlightenment and passed into Nirvana. All three events occurred on the full moon of the [...]
The Life of Buddha
There is some debate about the exact date of birth of Gautama Buddha, but general consensus seems to put it at around 500 to 400 B.C. He was born as Prince Gautama Siddharta into a royal warrior family in what was northern India (now Nepal). At the time of his birth, astrologers predicted he would [...]
Getting a Tattoo in Thailand
I’m not sure what it is about Thailand that tempts so many people to get tattoos done during their stay here. It’s probably cheaper than having it done back home and then there’s the mystical, spiritual element that clearly tempts people to get Buddhist-inspired designs. However, it isn’t just farangs undergoing the needle.
Sak Yant - [...]
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai, then this should be the one you visit. The mountain wat that overlooks the city of Chiang Mai is the holiest temple in the north of Thailand.
History of the Temple
According to legend, in the late 14th Century holy relics were placed on the back of a [...]
Visiting Thai Temples
Visitors to Thai temples (wats) may find the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed as they often serve as local community centres. Within the temple grounds children can sometimes be seen playing games of football or basketball and monks may engage you in conversation.
However, there are some important things to note before visiting any wat and particularly [...]